What is "allotment" in terms of GPC funding?

"Allotment" in the context of Governmentwide Commercial Purchase Card (GPC) funding refers to a specific allocation of funds that has been authorized for use with the GPC. This concept is important because it ensures that cardholders have a clear understanding of the financial boundaries within which they are authorized to make purchases. Allotments help facilitate effective budget management and accountability, allowing organizations to monitor expenditures against predefined limits.

By defining a specific allocation, it sets expectations for both the cardholder and the approving officials about the maximum amount that can be spent on purchases, thereby reducing the risk of overspending. This structure contributes to better financial oversight and supports compliance with federal regulations related to government spending. It contrasts with other concepts such as unassigned funds or restrictions, which do not provide guidance for authorized spending in the way that an allotment does.